How does the European Union work?

The Conservative party leader David Cameron is facing criticism after scrapping a promise for everyone in the UK to get a vote on a controversial new agreement on Europe, the Lisbon Treaty. The deal will create a new EU top job of president. But what is the European Union and how does it work?

David Cameron had promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty

What is the European Union (EU)?

What does it do?

But why do so many people moan about it?

The Conservatives are opposed to Tony Blair becoming EU president

So, why is it all in the news at the moment?

And what's all this about Tony Blair?